Millwall 3 Blackpool 1: Steve Lomas delivers after talks at the top

Steve Lomas had a meeting with Millwall chairman John Berylson and chief executive Andy Ambler just hours before a win that might have saved his job.

American owner Berylson flew in from Boston for the scheduled talks yesterday and saw Millwall move out of the relegation zone with their first Championship victory of the season.

The timing of Berylson’s trip to London was coincidental but Lomas desperately needed a result after Saturday’s 5-1 home thrashing by Derby.

He would not reveal too much about what was discussed but was delighted that Berylson was at The Den to see Millwall climb off the bottom.

“We just spoke about a few issues,” said Lomas. “He was fine. I have got a very good relationship with the chairman. He is a very affable guy. He has pumped a lot of money in and wants it to do well.

“It was great for him because he took some criticism for appointing me and the longer we went without a win, the pressure builds up on him. I am delighted for him and Andy because they are good people who have got the club’s best interests at heart. I am delighted for them but delighted for the players and the fans as well.”

It is hard not to feel pleased for Lomas, whose relief at the final whistle was obvious. He has endured a difficult start since replacing Kenny Jackett in the summer and remains an unpopular appointment with some Millwall ­supporters because of his West Ham connections.

Results like this will only help to get the majority of fans onside. Going behind to an early Thomas Ince goal, Millwall demonstrated the character which was clearly missing against Derby.

They levelled through Liam Trotter’s penalty on the stroke of half-time before goals from Nicky Bailey and Steve Morison secured three points.

Millwall now travel to Charlton for a south London derby on Saturday.

“Wins breed confidence and we have now got to back this up at the weekend,” said Lomas. “The lads’ pride was hurt [after Derby] and you could see they were not going to give up. The crowd were fantastic. They could see the commitment and effort to try and play football in the right way.”

Charlton went down 2-1 at Huddersfield with Cameron Stewart pulling a goal back for the visitors after Joel Lynch settled the match with a 35-yard drive. Charlton manager Chris Powell said: “We pushed more in the second half but you can’t legislate for a wonder goal.”

Watford beat Doncaster 2-1 thanks to two goals from Lewis McGugan, including an 87th-minute penalty.